The Hammonton Regular Republican Club held its annual Champagne Breakfast at Tomasello’s Winery. With over 100 people in attendance, guests heard from multiple Republican candidates on this year’s ticket. 8th District Assemblyperson Maria Rodriguez-Gregg and her running mate Joe Horwath encouraged the crowd to continue providing input on how to improve state government. Atlantic County Surrogate Jim Curcio and 5th District Freeholder Jim Bertino, both of Hammonton and both seeking re-election, talked about Atlantic County’s reputation for good government and why voting Republican this year is essential to maintain this cost-effective delivery of high quality services.

Hammonton’s Hometown Republican Team for Town Council electrified the audience as they discussed their thoughts on the direction Hammonton. Candidate Otto Hernandez talked about his family’s journey in 1963 from Cuba to the United States and how that experience shaped his political beliefs. Otto shared his thoughts with the group on how he can leverage his experience overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and a staff of over 300 when he is elected to council.

Councilman Mickey Pullia stressed the need to elect the entire Republican ticket in order to affect positive change here in Hammonton. Mickey, a former Deputy Mayor and a partner in one of Hammonton’s oldest businesses, elaborated on the gravity of the financial situation of the town.

Candidate Joe Giralo, whose leadership of the Hammonton Board of Education many speakers credited as turning around the school district from a $2 million dollar deficit to a $9 million dollar surplus, spoke last. Joe explained to the group that he would leverage his experiences at the school board and hit the ground running with a rapid plan to turn around the Town’s bleak financial situation.

Other dignitaries in attendance included: Congressman Frank LoBiondo, State Senator Dawn Addiego, Freeholder Alex Marino, Sheriff Frank Balles, Buena Boro Councilperson and Atlantic County GOP Committee Vice-Chair Rosalie Baker, former Waterford Mayor Ralph Condo, former Hammonton Mayors Barbara Berenato and Ralph Morano, and former Hammonton Councilperson Anni Carpo.

The Hammonton Regular Republican Club officers also were sworn in. The 2015 officers include: Charles Woolson (President), Don Berenato (Vice-President), Sal Velardi (Vice-President), Linda Pajic (Treasurer), Joe Ingemi (Secretary), Richard Byrnes (Sergeant-At-Arms), and James Matro II (Parliamentarian).

With the huge turn-out and high-quality candidates with fresh new ideas, every attendee left the event confident of a Republican sweep in November.